Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Tsunami (art journal page). Journaling reads "3/11/11 Japan - Crescent City - Santa Cruz - Half Moon Bay"I continue to think about the tsunami in Japan and its devastating effects on that country. And I want to do something about it. My blog friend Tammy and her blogging group, the Mortal Muses, inspired me with the wonderful art sales and auctions they are holding to benefit Japan. Check it out here and here. I'm not really set up for that, but I have decided to do a Donation and Give-Away. So, for each comment left on this blog post (one comment per person please), I will donate two dollars to the Red Cross (with a cap of 125 comments). Also, I will give away one prize for each twenty-five comments. . . prizes include an ephemera pack, mixed media art work, original photographs and a collage sheet. If you have a preference among these prizes, let me know in your comment. My art journal page for today has a tissue paper background, colored with acrylic paint. The image is a photograph taken by my friend Connie Andrews. I drew in the tear. Not a lot of journaling on the page, but I think it's enough. Shimelle's prompt for her SFB class today talks about how blog posts and scrapbook pages can be effective even when they don't tell the whole story. I think the same thing is true of art journal pages. They can convey a lot of emotion, even with just a few words because the color, texture and images do a lot of that work. Tsunami Relief Donation and Blog Give-Away will remain open until 9:00 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011 (California time). Comment away!Updated to add: Winners have been drawn! Check it out here.

What a lovely page - I agree that it tells the story without lots of words needed. This is a such a generous idea, what a wonderful way to help the relief effort. And you didn't stop there, you've even given us a chance to win a prize. (No preference for me, they all sound lovely.)

i agree that often less is more - that concept leaves room for the viewer to engage and "connect the dots" for themselves. my heart goes out to japan for what is absolutely unbelievable - it must take such courage to get through each minute there since the earthquake. i know your generous offer will be appreciated.

Thank you for your generosity Rinda, I cannot comprehend how the people of Japan, Christchurch and even various areas of my own country must be feeling, to be displaced so violently and tragically is beyond words for me.

Lovely, sad page. I had done a little scrap-booking before my sweetheart died in 2006. Then a few months after he died, I came to the realization that no one else could fill in the stories of his and my photos from the past. Then I discovered that doing this helped me with the grieving process. I've lost count of all of the albums I've done. I sent money to CRS for Japan. I think this is a lovely way to help.

Maria "Rinda" Ontiveros

Artist & Blogger

2016 Summertime Scavenger Hunt

The List!

1. A "wild heart" - a naturally occurring heart (like the rock above, but it doesn't have to be a rock)2. A footprint or pawprint3. A skeleton, bone or x-ray4. A book or magazine read during 20165. A porch or deck6. A camper (caravan)7. A family gathering8. A drawing, art project, artistic photograph, scrapbook page, greeting card, or art journal page created by you.9. Someone playing with, in, or around water.10. A bicycle11. Fresh produce12. A window13. The moon14. A buffet of food15. A team logo16. A map showing a trip taken during the time period17. Twins18. A supermarket cart, basket or trolley full of groceries 19. A seasonal cocktail or beverage20. Someone laughing21. A photograph of you with a newspaper or calendar page from the time period covered in the Hunt. Note: you may not use a substitute for this item.Alternatives - if you're having trouble finding any of the above, you may substitute from this list (but you may not substitute for item #21):alternative 1: a lighthousealternative 2: a baby (human or animal)